Estimate expected profit from mixed antique lots with different costs and sell-through chances. Use realistic inputs and review the notes before making buying, selling, restoration, or research decisions.
Example values are provided where useful. Replace them with your own figures or documented observations.
How to use this tool
Enter shared lot expenses and the percentage fee applied to sold items.
Expand Item details and fill the rows for the antiques in the lot; leave unused rows blank.
Compare expected profit, unsold cost tied up, and the item-by-item table.
How the result works
Expected revenue is each item’s possible selling total multiplied by its estimated chance of selling. The entire purchase cost is counted as invested, while item-specific selling costs are probability-weighted.
A probability forecast is not an assurance that any item will sell. Use conservative sale prices and consider storage, time, returns, damage, and markdowns for long-held stock.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the complete purchase cost included?
The dealer pays for the whole lot, including items that may not sell during the forecast period.
What does expected unsold cost mean?
It estimates the acquisition cost associated with the portion of each item row expected to remain unsold. It is not a guaranteed resale value.
How should I estimate sale probability?
Use prior sales, local demand, item condition, price competitiveness, and realistic time to sell rather than wishful thinking.
Does the calculator value individual antiques?
No. It only models the prices and probabilities that you supply. It does not authenticate or appraise objects.
Why can expected profit be negative while unsold items remain?
The model measures cash recovery during the forecast period. Unsold inventory may later recover value, but that is not guaranteed and ties up capital.
Related Antique Tools
Use related tools to check connected costs or corroborate research clues.